Can I show a film in class?
Do I need a license to show a movie for educational purposes? This activity is covered under the “Face-to-Face Teaching Exemption,” right?
Answer
Under the "Face-to-Face Teaching Exemption*," copyrighted movies may be shown in a college or university setting without copyright permission only if all criteria are met:
- See: Title 17 of the United States Code, Chapter 1, Section 110
- A teacher or instructor is present, engaged in face-to-face teaching activities.
- The institution must be an accredited, nonprofit educational institution.
- The showing takes place in a classroom setting with only the enrolled students attending.
- The movie is used as an essential part of the core, required curriculum being taught. (The instructor should be able to show how the use of the motion picture contributes to the overall required course study and syllabus.)
- The movie being used is a legitimate copy, not taped from a legitimate copy or taped from TV
*face to face can include online courses if this is how the course is normally delivered
Otherwise, showing a film is considered a public performance and public performance rights (PPR) are required.
- Our film databases have some films with PPR. Search Kanopy and then look to see if a film has the PPR log on the bottom-left.
- Films in the public domain can be shown without PPR.
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PPR can also be purchased though the company Swank. The library does not have funds to cover costs of PPR purchase.
Scholarly Communications Research and Teaching Librarian Sonya Durney can help with any questions you have about Performance Rights, showing films, or copyright.